Sunday Snippet: Hedging Bets

Wow, how can half the month be over already? Time either seems to fly by at the rate of insanity yet it often feels like it an entire decade exists within a twenty-four hour period. It's trippy.

Had a bunch of projects land in my inbox this week so television ended up being on the short end. I finished up a Blue Heelers episode and have another one ready to go.

Also made it through two-thirds of Silent Witness's fifth season. Two interesting cases. Looking forward to finishing up the last two episodes.

I watched a lot of the morning mysteries on Ovation again. I enjoy having those shows on in the background, especially when I’m shredding a ton of old paper files.

Looking forward to hopefully finishing up Picard and catching up on Riverdale and Roswell, New Mexico. As I mentioned, this is probably my last season of Riverdale. I literally can't stomach Hiram and I’m pretty sure he won't be going anywhere when the new season premieres.

That's the short list for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hedging Bets, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lettie and Thane have issues that are getting in the way of their work and are thrown into separate cells for being insubordinate to a superior officer. Their commander decides they can stay locked up—in the same cell—until they work their crap out or one of them calls for a body bag.

And a sneaky peek…

Thane kept his distance behind Lettie when the security team came to escort them to the brig. "Stupid to get sucked into another argument with her." The guy beside him gave a rude snort.

Thane ignored him. He didn't care what the marine thought. The guy probably figured Thane would spend all of five minutes in the brig before his dad got him out.

"Damn, I hope the old man doesn't step in this time." He kept his voice pitched low so no else heard.

Thane could fight his battles alone. After all, Thad Sorenson made sure to teach his son how … then promptly removed any and all barriers from his path. Shaking his head, Thane frowned. Thanks, Dad.

He didn't ask to be posted to his dad's ship. When the call came through, Thane actually requested a different assignment. No such luck. Random draw, right set of skills, report for duty.

Thane rolled his eyes. "Random draw, my ass." But he'd reported as ordered.

And ran right into Lettie Lang's bad attitude. Argh!

They made the turn down the corridor leading to the brig and Thane's anger kicked up another notch. Lettie waved to the lance corporal behind the desk. Of course she's friends with him.

Thane snorted. "She's in here often enough." He glanced up to find Lettie giving him a pointed look.

Shit. He shrugged and said nothing else while the lance corporal logged Lettie in. She slid her gaze forward again then a wide smirk curved her lips.

Stepping back, she made a show of looking around the empty containment area. "Corporal Gaff, is my favorite cell available?"

He glanced up. "Uh, which one's your favorite?"

Lettie gave him a sweet smile. "Whichever one is the farthest away from Sorenson."

Gaff rolled his eyes then came around to undog the hatch and lead Lettie through. He put her in the first cell then returned to the desk.

He sighed then motioned Thane forward. "All right, Sorenson, you're up." He started typing then paused. "Huh, this is your first visit here." He met Thane's gaze. "Might wanna take a seat. Processing you will take a few."

Thane bit back a growl and took the proffered seat. Gaff pecked around on the keyboard and started entering information. Thane settled back and crossed his arms over his chest then risked a quick look at Lettie. She paced back and forth in the cell, her mouth going nonstop.

Probably a good thing I can't hear what she's saying.

I love writing this couple. The whole enemies because, otherwise, they'd jump each other trope is fun!

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye